Sale 1375 — The Nick Kardasis Collection of the 1869 Pictorial Issue, Part One
Sale Date — Tuesday, 21 April, 2026
Category — Scott 112-122 Used-Superb Examples, Varieties and Multiples—lots 30-83
1c Buff (112). Jumbo margins, bright color, scarce blue Spokes fancy cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE WITH A BLUE SPOKES FANCY CANCEL, GRADED SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. — ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER.
Ex "Connoisseur" (1992 Superior sale). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only one grades higher (at 98J, offered in this sale as lot 23) and four others share this desirable grade (another is offered as lot 32), but this is the only one at this grade with a colored cancel.
1c Buff (112). Rich color, Jumbo margins, small non-standard 4-bar grid cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2022 P.S.A.G. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo)
1c Buff (112). Radiant color, Jumbo margins all around with choice centering, neat 6-lines penstroke cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1998 P.F. and 2018 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo), only one grades higher (offered in this sale as lot 23), four others share this desirable grade including one offered in lot 30
2c Brown (113). Deep rich color on bright paper, well-struck unusual cork cancel that appears as two pointing arrows, wide margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a stamp with great eye appeal, with 2021 P.F. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo)
2c Brown (113). Enormous Jumbo margins all around, cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Dr. Morris, with 1989, 1999, 2013, 2014 and 2016 P.F. certificates (last XF-Superb 95 Jumbo)
2c Brown (113). Rich color nicely complemented by blue 6-bar open grid cancel, trace of circular datestamp at lower left, unusually choice centering, Extremely Fine Gem, a stamp with phenomenal eye appeal, with 2005 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (latter XF-Superb 95)
2c Brown (113). Bright shade and crisp impression, bold strike of Boston circular datestamp, balanced Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2002 P.F. certificate
2c Brown (113). Absolutely enormous margins all around including left arrow and interpane margin, circle of wedges cancel and circular datestamp, few creases at top with one ending in small tear, Extremely Fine appearance, this stamp has wider margins than any other we have encountered
2c Brown (113). Deep rich color, wide and balanced margins, bold strike of segmented cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a stamp with fantastic visual appeal, ex Saadi, with 1990 and 2008 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
2c Brown (113). Rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, bold strike of quartered cork cancel, wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1989 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
3c Ultramarine (114). Absolutely intense color and impression beautifully complemented by blue circle of wedges cancel, both design and cancel appear to "float" off of the paper, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a stamp with fantastic visual appeal, with 1989 and 2017 P.F. certificates (latter graded Superb 98), with ungraded 2019 P.S.E. certificate, even though P.S.E. may not issue the same grade (they have only issued one at 98, offered as lot 21 in this sale) we consider this to be one of the finest 3c 1869s in existence
3c Ultramarine (114). Jumbo margins and outstanding centering, bright color beautifully complemented by deep red cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, ex Kirke, with 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (latter XF-Superb 95 Jumbo), only one example grades higher (at 98, offered in this sale as lot 21) and only six others have achieved this grade, we checked and this is the only at this grade with a colored cancel, this is a surprisingly small population for this workhorse of the 1869 Issue
3c Ultramarine (114). Detailed impression on bright paper, unusually choice centering with Jumbo margins, unobtrusive cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1999 P.F. and 2018 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo), only one example grades higher (at 98, offered in this sale as lot 21) and only six others have achieved this grade
3c Ultramarine (114). Horizontal pair, from the bottom left corner of the sheet, fantastic crazy diamond-shaped perfs showing the design and perforations at dramatic cross purposes, the grill points are up and split, scissor separated by the sender into a large rectangle showing perforated portions of nine "stamps", cancelled by two strikes of a cork cancel
THE UNIQUE BOTTOM LEFT SHEET-MARGIN PAIR OF THE 3-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL WITH DRAMATICALLY MISALIGNED PERFORATIONS AND GRILLS. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE MOST STRIKING PRODUCTION VARIETIES IN CLASSIC PHILATELY. A REMARKABLE SHOWPIECE.
This dramatic production variety was caused when the paper was folded after printing, but before grilling and perforating. The user did not waste the stamps. The pair was cut with scissors at top and right, preserving the printed designs. This is the most spectacular production variety in the 1869 Pictorial Issue we have encountered.
Illustrated in 1869 Times May 1977 (p. 11), which notes this was offered in a November 1976 Schiff sale. Illustrated in November 2011 Chronicle (p. 353). Acquired by Mr. Kardasis in our 1995 Rarities sale. With 1998 P.F. certificate.
6c Ultramarine (115). Brilliant color, huge margins, bold strike of non-standard 6-bar grid cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, ex Juhring and Gore, with 2012 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (latter graded XF 90 Jumbo), only seven grade higher (four at 95, one at 95J and two at 98J)
6c Ultramarine (115). Bright color and paper nicely complemented by blue circle of wedges cancel, choice centering with well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a pretty stamp, with 2017 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
6c Ultramarine (115). Intense shade and impression on bright paper, well-proportioned margins, clear strike of Leaf cancel, Extremely Fine, this stamp has remarkable color and eye appeal, with 1993 and 1998 P.F. certificates
6c Ultramarine (115). Bright shade, small cork cancel, traces of red cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2000 P.F. certificate
6c Ultramarine (115). Jumbo margins all around including right interpane margin with arrow at bottom right, Position 150L, rich color, bold strike of segmented cork cancel, Extremely Fine, a huge stamp, with 2008 P.S.E. and 2008 and 2013 P.F. certificates
6c Ultramarine (115). Massive margins including right straddle-pane margin showing part of adjoining stamps on both sides, bold strike of Crossroads cancel, faint vertical crease at left just outside of the design, Extremely Fine appearance, a huge stamp, with 2019 P.F. certificate
10c Yellow (116). Vibrant color as fresh as the day it was printed, almost perfectly centered with Jumbo margins all around, clear strike of Philadelphia circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, ex "Tahoe", with 2008 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (latter graded XF-Superb 95 Jumbo), only two grade higher (both at 98, one is offered as lot 23 in this sale) and only one other shares this desirable grade
10c Yellow (116). Vibrant color, bold strike of large non-standard open grid cancel, unusually wide margins, Extremely Fine, with 1999 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF 90), we feel this is severely undergraded
10c Yellow (116). Jumbo margins including right interpane margin with entire arrow at top, Position 10L, brilliant color, grid cancel, Very Fine, ex Haas, Grunin and Saadi, with 1989 P.F. certificate
10c Yellow (116). Radiant color, bold strike of quartered cork cancel, trace of red cancel at lower left, Extremely Fine, with 1995 A.P.S. and 1998 P.F. certificates
12c Green (117). Crisp impression, almost perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, red cork cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.—ONLY ONE GRADES HIGHER.
With 2006 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). Only one grades higher (at 100J, realized $8,000 in our 2020 Rarities sale). Only eight others share this grade; we checked and this is the only one cancelled solely in red or in any color other than black. Another in this grade is offered in this sale as lot 24.
12c Green (117). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, cancelled by well-struck circular grid of 33 fine lines handstamp, long and full perforations, Extremely Fine Gem, this is an extremely unusual cancel, ex Moody, with 1996 and 2018 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 XQ)
12c Green (117). Rich color, unusually choice centering cancelled solely by red "New York Nov. 1" circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1996 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
12c Green (117). Detailed impression, well-struck Crossroads cancel, choice centering, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1998 and 2022 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Bright colors, perfect centering with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all around, unobtrusive cancel leaves the entire design clearly visible
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. A PHENOMENAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT — COLOR, CENTERING, PERFORATIONS, A LIGHT CANCEL AND OVERALL EYE APPEAL.
Ex Klein. With 1988 and 2021 P.F. certificates. (Superb 98). By way of comparison, P.S.E. has graded only one at 98 with two higher (at 98J).
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Remarkably fresh colors and superior centering, unobtrusive strike of Rosette fancy cancel, long and full perforations
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.
With 2004 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Four others grade higher and nine share this grade.
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Almost perfectly centered with immense margins all around, brilliant colors and detailed impressions, long and full perforations all around, light strike of circle of Vs cancel leaves vignette and most of stamp's design clearly visible
EXTREMELY FINE GEM EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. A STUNNING STAMP IN TERMS OF CENTERING, MARGINS, COLOR AND CANCELLATION.
Ex Twigg-Smith. With 1984 and 2001 P.F. certificates.
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Bright colors, wide margins, unobtrusive strike of Rosette fancy cancel leaves design clearly visible, Extremely Fine, a pretty stamp, with 1980 and 1998 P.F. certificates, SCV $900
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I, Double Grill (118 var). Intense shades and impressions, the two grills partly overlap at center, circle of wedges cancel, Extremely Fine, a beautiful example of this variety, with 1995 P.F. certificate, SCV $1,175
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I, Double Grill (118 var). Well-balanced margins, both grills are very clear and side by side, bold circle of wedges cancel and trace of red handstamp, Very Fine and choice, ex Dr. Morris, signed Brun, with 1994 P.F. certificate
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I (118). Horizontal strip of five, rich colors, circle of wedges cancels, some rejoined perforations, faint creases in left stamp
VERY FINE. THIS IS THE LARGEST RECORDED USED MULTIPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE I 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. A WONDERFUL EXHIBITION PIECE.
Multiples of the 15c Type I, Scott 118, are rare. One used block of four and a vertical strip of four are known (both ex Ishikawa, with either heavy cancels or perfs touching). Pairs are also difficult to find (most are on covers and off-center). If one adds condition to the search criteria, the list of multiples of any size shrinks to almost zero. The strip offered here, which is the largest recorded used multiple and also has Very Fine centering, is a wonderful exhibition piece.
With 1983 and 1999 P.F. certificates. SCV $4,700 as two pairs and a single.
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Deep rich color of incredible depth and beauty, proof-like impressions, well-balanced margins, bold strike of quartered cork cancel struck at bottom leaves the vignette untouched
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT TYPE II 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. IN TERMS OF OVERALL EYE APPEAL, THIS IS EASILY ONE OF OUR FAVORITE EXAMPLES OF THIS ISSUE.
Ex Newbury. This remarkable stamp was featured as the sole item on the front cover of the June 16, 1988, Christie's catalog. That was Trepel's choice 38 years ago, and it is still one of his favorite 1869s.
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Fresh colors on bright paper, unusually wide and balanced margins, light strike of cork cancel leaves entire design clearly visible, long and full perforations, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2001 P.F. certificate
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Deep rich colors on bright paper, nicely complemented by red segmented cork cancel, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, desirable cancelled solely in red, with 1989, 2000 and 2021 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Intense colors with the frame qualifying for the Dark Brown sub-shade in our opinion, well-balanced margins, cork cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1998 P.F. certificate
24c Green & Violet (120). Outstanding centering with Jumbo margins, deep rich colors on fresh bright paper, small circle of wedges cancel at bottom leaves the central vignette completely visible
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THIS IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
Ex Kirke. With 2006 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo). Only three grade higher (two at 98, one at 98J offered as lot 27 in this sale). Three others share this desirable grade but we haven't offered any since 2012. This auction is the first time we have offered an example greater than a 95 since 2014.
24c Green & Violet (120). Detailed impressions, red Rosette fancy cancel, unusually wide and balanced margins
extremely FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE cancelled solely in red.
From the Weill Brothers sale and ex Renne. With 1990 P.F. and 2020 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only seven grade higher.
24c Green & Violet (120). Wide and balanced margins, bright colors, bold red cork cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE CANCELLED IN RED. A DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH OUTSTANDING CONDITION.
Ex Morton. With 1999 P.F. and 2016 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only seven examples grade higher (highest is 98J which is offered in this sale as lot 27).
24c Green & Violet (120). Unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of circle of wedges cancel leaves entire design clearly visible
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. — A DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
Ex "Natalee Grace". With 2001 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95). Only seven examples grade higher (highest is 98J which is offered in this sale as lot 27).
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Fresh colors on bright paper, perfect strike of Rosette fancy cancel, trace of red cancel at lower left, wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM USED EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE WITH AN UNUSUALLY CLEAR CANCEL AND WITH UNUSUALLY CHOICE CENTERING. THIS STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95XQ BY THE P.F.
With 1999 and 2019 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 XQ).
30c Blue & Carmine (121). Unusually choice centering with Jumbo margins, bright colors, bold strike of circle of Vs cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a stamp with great eye appeal, with 1993 P.F. certificate
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Well-balanced margins, rich colors, neat segmented cork cancel, Extremely Fine, ex Zoellner, dealer's small backstamp, with 1998 P.F. certificate
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Rich colors on bright paper, clear central strike of quartered cork cancel, long and full perforations, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Block of four, exceptionally well-centered (especially for a multiple), rich colors, light cancels leave entire design clearly visible on each stamp
EXTREMELY FINE. AN UNUSUALLY CHOICE LIGHTLY CANCELLED BLOCK OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
Most blocks of the 30c 1869 are heavily cancelled. This lightly cancelled block is extremely rare and especially desirable with such choice centering.
Illustrated in Nov. 2011 Chronicle on p. 354. With 1998 P.F. certificate. SCV $3,750.
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Remarkably precise centering with unusually wide and balanced margins, tied by bold strike of circle of wedges cancel and red "New York Paid 12 Oct. 23" (1869) 12c credit datestamp on folded cover to Lyon, France, small boxed "PD" handstamp, blue Calais entry datestamp (Nov. 4), Paris (Nov. 4) and Lyon (Nov. 5) backstamps
EXTREMELY FINE GEM STAMP AND COVER. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE USED ON COVER.
The 30c stamp pays the double 15c treaty rate to France. It was carried on the Inman City of Antwerp, departing New York October 23, 1869, arriving Liverpool November 3.
This outstanding 30c 1869 cover was last offered in our Sale 637 in September 1984, which included the 1869 Pictorial Issue collection formed by the late John E. du Pont, although his name was not published in the catalogue. Du Pont was an ornithologist, philatelist (owner of the British Guiana One-Cent Magenta), conchologist and sports enthusiast, but is better known as a convicted mentally ill murderer. This was also the auction in which Ishikawa's agent (Harvey Warm) competed fiercely with a collector for used 1869 blocks, raising prices to record levels.
Ex du Pont. With 1977 P.F. certificate. SCV $35,000.
30c Ultramarine & Carmine, Flags Inverted (121b). Perfect centering, incredibly rich and bright colors on fresh white paper, clear strike of New York City circle of Vs cancel
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL INVERT WITH REMARKABLY RICH COLORS. IN OUR OPINION, THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP IS THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF THIS ICONIC UNITED STATES INVERT—OFFERED TO THE MARKET FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE 1998 ZOELLNER SALE.
The 1869 Pictorial Issue was a transformative set of stamps created during a period of historic transition. The Civil War had ended four years earlier. Congress was controlled by the Republicans, who, after their failed attempt to impeach President Andrew Johnson, had helped elect President Ulysses S. Grant, who was sympathetic to post-war Reconstruction policies. The 1869 Pictorial stamps, with their novel shapes and imagery, were created by President Johnson’s postmaster general, Alexander Randall, and inherited by Grant’s new postmaster general, John A. J. Creswell. In the midst of Reconstruction’s political controversies, the 1869s were spurned by the public and quickly replaced with the 1870 Issue, bearing traditional portraits of statesmen, war heroes and Founding Fathers.
The vignettes on the 15c, 24c and original 30c Burgoyne essay (the 30c was redesigned for the issued stamp) are intricately engraved depictions of historical events, based on oil paintings hanging in the Rotunda of the Capitol. The 15c, 24c and 30c Burgoyne vignettes were engraved by one of National’s most talented engravers, the Scottish-born James Smillie, who had previously been a partner with Rawdon, Wright and Hatch. Smillie joined National in 1861, and shortly after engraving the 1869s he moved to the American Bank Note Company. The frames of the 15c, 24c and 90c were engraved by Douglas S. Ronaldson.
The 1869 Pictorial Issue went on sale in post offices in March 1869. The first published report of an invert error appeared in the December 20, 1870, issue of J. Walter Scott’s American Journal of Philately. The report states that “after a few hundred sheets of the 15 and 24 cent stamps of the 1869 issue had been delivered, it was discovered that a few of the stamps on each sheet had the picture inverted in the frames.” This early report is most definitely inaccurate—all of the known 15c errors are Type II stamps, and Type IIs were not issued until May 1869. Scott’s article indicates that he was aware of the invert error on both values in December 1870. The 30c Invert was discovered later, and by 1876 it was listed in the Scott Catalogue.
Our census of 30c 1869 Inverts, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/121b, contains a total of 48 stamps, including 7 unused and 41 used (one in the Miller collection owned by The New York Public Library and one used in the Tapling collection at the British Library). Most have faults to varying degrees. Of the used examples available to collectors, only eight are sound (five are based on decades-old descriptions and need to be reexamined for condition). This example, in sound condition and with Extremely Fine centering, is a great condition rarity. The circle of Vs cancel on this stamp is known on covers from the Davis correspondence, mailed to Peru from New York City in August 1869 (see Chronicle 138, p. 124).
Census no. 121b-CAN-10. Ex Zoellner and offered in our 1980 and 1990 Rarities sales. With 1990 and 1998 P.F. certificates.
90c Carmine & Black (122). Brilliant colors, unusually choice centering with wide margins, neatly struck square quartered cork cancel
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, GRADED XF 90 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
While numerical grading has helped collectors differentiate between one quality category and another—making it more difficult for sellers to pitch Fine stamps as Extremely Fine—there are instances when the number actually serves to downgrade the quality of a stamp. This is one of those instances. The 90c 1869 Pictorial Issue is notoriously challenging, because the stamps are generally poorly centered and the cancels are heavy, if not disfiguring. The P.S.E. assigned the Jumbo appellation to the stamp offered here, but somehow decided that the measurements only qualified it for a 90 grade, probably due to the slight skewing of horizontal perfs at an upward angle from left to right. In our opinion, the 90J grade fails to capture the exceptionally wide margins, brilliant color and unusually light cancellation. Discerning collectors who collect stamps, not certificate grades, will appreciate this stamp, and we hope other less experienced collectors will read and concur with our opinion.
Ex Newbury. With 2004 P.F. and 2001 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo). Only twelve grade higher and only one other shares this grade.
90c Carmine & Black (122). Rich colors, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced margins, unobtrusive cork cancel leaves entire design clearly visible
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, WITH RICH COLOR, WELL-BALANCED MARGINS AND A CANCEL THAT LEAVES THE DESIGN CLEARLY VISIBLE. A STAMP WITH WONDERFUL EYE APPEAL.
These high-denomination stamps were typically used on mail to foreign countries or on heavy registered letters. They were often heavily cancelled by postal clerks to make sure they were not reused. The example offered here, with a very light cancel, is a rare exception to the rule.
With 2000 P.F. certificate. SCV $2,100.
90c Carmine & Black (122). Intense colors and impressions which clearly show every detail of the engravings, strike of open bars cancel at left leaves Lincoln's portrait clearly visible, unusually choice centering with well-proportioned margins
EXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. A STAMP WITH WONDERFUL COLOR AND EYE APPEAL, GRADED XF 90 BY P.S.E.
These high-denomination stamps were typically used on mail to foreign countries or on heavy registered letters. They were often heavily cancelled by postal clerks to make sure they were not reused. The example offered here, with an unobtrusive cancel, is an exception to that rule.
Ex Mayer. With 1983, 2003 and 2017 P.F. certificates. With 2017 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90).
90c Carmine & Black (122). Wide margins all around, deep rich colors and detailed impressions, unused appearance with the barest trace of a cancellation at lower left
EXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL WITH THE BAREST TRACE OF A CANCELLATION.
Ex Dr. Morris. With 1994 and 1996 P.F. certificates. SCV $2,100.